Lilly Endowment Inc. awarded Marquette University a $1 million grant in 2018 to develop Companions in Ministry. The grant is one of 129 grants that Lilly awarded nationally as part of their Thriving in Ministry initiative. The aim of Thriving in Ministry is to help pastors thrive in congregational leadership, and in doing so, to enhance the vitality of the congregations and communities they serve. Leadership Education at Duke Divinity serves as the coordination program for Thriving in Ministry, providing resources, support, learning opportunities and shared wisdom.